Wildfire — Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

2019-03-07 to 2019-03-08 · Albuquerque Metro Area, New Mexico

Event narrative

A wildfire broke out along the west bank of the Rio Grande near Los Chavez then spread across the river to over 100 acres. The fire destroyed at least two homes, seven outbuildings, and six recreational vehicles. One other home was also damaged. Two fire fighters were injured in the blaze. Property damages are a rough estimate.

Wider weather episode

A storm system developing west of New Mexico on March 7, 2019 spread strong winds and low humidity across much of the area. High winds first developed during the early morning in the higher terrain before spreading into nearby valleys and highlands during the afternoon. Many areas along the central mountain chain reported sustained winds near 40 mph with peak gusts near 60 mph. The remainder of the state experienced wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph with blowing dust, low humidity, and above normal temperatures. The first destructive wildfire of the 2019 season broke out along the Rio Grande near the Rio Communities during the late afternoon. The fire initially started on the west bank of the Rio Grande near Los Chavez then spread across the river to over 100 acres. The fire destroyed at least two homes, seven outbuildings, and six recreational vehicles. Two fire fighters were injured in the blaze.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 800025. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.